Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi in Parliament on Wednesday formally requested that the late Zubeen Garg be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
He also demanded justice for the beloved artist, questioning the circumstances of his death on foreign soil during a programme organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commission of Singapore.
Gogoi asked, “Who killed the beloved artist Zubeen Garg on foreign soil after he attended a government event?”
Gogoi highlighted Zubeen Garg’s contributions, saying, “Zubeen was an artist, humanitarian, environmentalist, wildlife lover, and a voracious reader of books. During the 80s and 90s, he gave the people of Assam hope, and in recent years, he gave us moral courage and strength. He taught us how to overcome personal trauma and not be divided by religion or caste. Truly, Assam meant tea, oil, rhinoceros, and Zubeen Garg. He showed us a vision of ‘Bor Asom,’ free from hate, fear, suspicion, and mistrust. Zubeen will always be our Kanchenjunga. Today, the people of Assam miss him terribly.”
The decision now rests with the government, which has yet to respond to requests to honour the late musician.
Earlier, Congress CLP Leader in Assam, Debabrata Saikia, had made a similar demand during the recently concluded session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, recognising Zubeen Garg’s contributions to music, culture, and society.